Zambia takes up leadership at AU Center for Diseases Control

Zambia has been elected as Vice Chairperson of the Advisory and Technical Council of the Africa Centre for Diseases Control (CDC).

This is according to a statement issued by Zambia’s first secretary to the African Union Naomi Nyawali.
“Zambia’s Director of the National Public Health Institute, Victor Mukonkha, has since been elected as Vice Chairperson of the Advisory and Technical Council. Dr Mukonkha was unanimously elected by all the five technical teams of the collaborative regional centers of the Africa Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) during the second Meeting of the Governing Board held in Addis Ababa. On the 20th of March 2017,” Nyawali stated.

“Health Minister, Hon Chitalu Chilufya, confirmed this on the sidelines of the on-going second Meeting of the Governing Board of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, being held at the African Union buildings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He indicated that this development was a critical position in public health leadership in Africa.”

She stated that the appointment would raise Zambia’s profile in public health programs.

“He added that this will also positively impact the country as it will raise the profile of Zambia’s public health programs. Dr Chitalu noted that the appointment of Zambia to the position of vice chair will enable the country contribute further to the strengthening of public health systems in Africa, as Zambia has advanced in setting up public health institution including hosting of the regional collaborative center for the Africa CDC, Southern region,” stated Nyawali.

“He said the Second Meeting of the Governing Board of Directors of the CDC has adopted a Five Year Strategic plan which will address public health challenges on African economies. He disclosed that the strategic plan will focus on five fundamental pillars that will include surveillance and disease intelligence as well as preparedness and response. Other areas he said the strategic plan will focus on are laboratory systems and networks, information systems and, public health and institutes.”